The One Where He Smiles
Tola Showunmi thoughtfully considers the best angle from which to approach Austin’s Keeper, Damian Las.
Ahh, it feels good to be writing again. Not only because I missed the art of writing last week, but because I have a WIN to write about.
And not just any win. This is a delicious victory that can be traced all the way back to the Austin FC line-up post on Instagram an hour before the match when their fans quickly criticized the decision to start their best players “against a USL team…uh wha?!” Since I was en route to the stadium and already wearing my media hat, I took the high road and ignored the comment. Hahaha of course I did no such thing. I replied in a way that would not put our win at risk (not too haughty) but would also let the fans know that they were about to be taken to school.
And take Austin to school we did, with extra homework and no recess. Enjoy the school pictures because the yearbooks will be late this year.
I love to get snapshots of our bench because I would put money on any combination of our players against any other USL team’s starters. Our line-up and our bench change every single match because we have so many different options. It’s like going to Crumbl and choosing a dozen cookies any given week. Do you ever leave with the same mix? Nope. Is every mix yummy? Yep! Looks like Donovan is trying to decide between a pink sugar cookie and a snickerdoodle.
The Keepers take the pitch! The usual opponent keeper taunts were nowhere to be found this evening as the love for Las still runs deep in Louisville.
The captains exchanged team banners like kindergarten boys exchange valentines at the class party. “Ok…what do I do with this now?” I heard that Lou City hangs up the opponent banners in the locker room over the dirty laundry bins and uses them when they run out of clean towels.
Totsch makes an early run that shows Austin what’s up.
Here come the smiles. The Waterfront fans were teasing Las with the promise of corn dogs if he would just let a goal or two in. He tried so hard not to smile, then not to let the fans see him smile. Then he tried not to let goals in. Fortunately for us, he failed at all of these efforts.
Las Smile Gallery
There’s that Dayes’ vertical that we know and love. I think if he wanted to scale the net and join the Estopinal fans, he’s nearly there.
I love the game of Keep Away that Davila played with Austin’s 10 right after their game of Airplane.
Looking back on the match, there were early signs that the head ref may have been in over his bald head. You think maybe he’s squinting because the sun is in his eye but no. He’d just never seen a live soccer match before.
Austin’s 3 runs right by Jake Morris and his shot on goal. Then he braced to take a hit. I’m guessing the faded lines on the pitch for the Louisville Kings’ games were messing with his depth perception or maybe he’s just not their best player.
Looks like Austin’s not best player would rather hold hands with Morris than be accused of a handball. There’s a Facebook group for that first bit. I’ll send you a link, bro.
Here comes a yellow card for an imaginary foul by Manny Perez. Even the Austin player is confused and can’t hide his delight in the referee’s incompetence.
Tola looks like he’s finally starting to have some fun. He definitely played around with the Austin back line like they were made of Needoh.
Here Jake Morris is seen doing a lap for the cameras. You cannot tell me that the additional media coverage at last night’s match didn’t give players a little extra adrenaline to use as they wished. Jake wished for some more full body shots and TV spots.
Some happy kiddos snagged a ball and one tried to run off with it. Unfortunately they were too slow and an Austin bench player who was warming up nearby tackled him. The ball was returned to the pitch unharmed. The kid got a free Ehrler’s ice cream. The Austin player was added to the season-ending injury list.
Great time for an early Fan Gallery
I have unintentionally created a new series called “Kyle Adams complains about being held in the goal” and I am here for it. (I know it’s my blog so of course I have to be here for it, but I’m also here for it in the cool way.)
Look at the way that Kyle is being assaulted here!! Why aren’t the referees issuing red cards?!?
GOOOOOOOOOAL! Seen completely off to the right is Sean Totsch coming down to the ground from a glorious header!
There he is! Bottom right! Zoom in. A little closer. Yeah, Totsch!! (Remember this site is ad-free, pictures are free to download, and I am not a professional photogrammer.)
Our first Goal Celebration Gallery, sponsored by Honey Nut Cheerios, not because they paid me but because they’re yummy
Don’t look away, it’s time for another goal, this one by Tola who is definitely featured in some other pictures!
Second Goal Gallery! Featuring Tola’s first smile in a Lou City kit.
Time to revisit the Kyle fouling series for obvious reasons.
But Kyle being fully tackled allows for Las to do his Superman thing, so here we are.
This very intentional series is called “Kyle Adams calmly discusses his concerns with the referee” because these are my very favorite pictures to take. (Why do photographers even bother with things like weddings?) There is guaranteed content during each match, usually multiple events to capture, and the power of the captain’s Arm Band is on full display.
Also on display during each match is the power of the Keeper Kit. I have to use my extra zoom skills to get good shots of Hugo but they are always worth it.
One of the things that I like to tell my kids and my work teams and anyone who will listen to me is “always assume good intentions” but for anyone around this guy I would say just ignore that. What even is that look on his face?
That sunset! Literally no notes.
Sunset Gallery
Another nothing call by the center ref and it’s clear that he’s having as much fun as Tolu or the fans yelling “we love you!” to Las.
Las made another 375 saves during the 2nd half of the match. Pictured here is #275.
Serrano takes some claws to the face for the team. Center ref is checking his Instagram and missed the whole incident.
Donovan popping his collar up. Or maybe smoothing it down. I think this is another series in the making.
More Awesome Moments Gallery
Textbook Time Wasting, Crowd Engaging Gallery
That final whistle feeling.
Post-match Gallery including the Las Meet & Greet
